Shimano EP8 and E6100 Power Tweaks
Shimano has tweaked the firmware in its family/cargo-specific bike motors that gives compliance with the DIN 79010 standard
In a nutshell: The tweak is better for heavy loads.
Techy Explanation: The cargo drive units reach their maximum output torque at much lower rider pedalling torque inputs
I’m not especially interested in cargo bikes on this site, however one detail of the announcement today did spike my curiosity a little bit. Shimano also has an internal Di2 hub gear option (which I didn’t know about) and that has a start mode that drops to your preferred starting geat when you, err, start. That’s quite clever but obviously won’t work on a Di2 derailleur.
Then there is the option of full auto shifting which automatically shifts gears based on an algorithm that determines the best gear for the pedal pressure (input torque) and speed. I remember years ago once writing that auto gear shifting would be a thing but then thought through what I was saying a bit more and decided it wasn’t easily possible or sensible…oh well, Shimano has done it, albeit only with electric bikes.
I was going to liven up this post with an image of a beautiful model but you get this…
Last Updated on 25 January 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Injinji – Runners protect your toes. Avoid discomfort and minor injury. Run more. Run faster. I use them.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — A small keyring adapter you can use anywhere. Essential when away. I use one.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session. I use one.
- Ravemen FR300 — Front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters. I use one.
- Body Glide – The blue anti-chafe stick that all swimmers and many runners use. I use it.
- Maurten — The race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mixes engineered to be easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — A radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Wahoo. I use this model.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — The power-meter pedals most serious cyclists choose. Accurate, easy to move between bikes. I use this model.
- Garmin Forerunner 970 — A serious choice for a pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Polar H10 — My daily driver for accurate, waking HRV readings.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3 — The bike computer that has the feature Garmin lacks: usability. I use mine on most rides.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
